HR Director, Europe region - Germany

HR leader to setup European function for this double digit growth company, fluent English/German essential, Munich work base, M&A expertise highly regarded within this quasi-startup environment!

Remit challenge: Working directly with the US based CHRO and EU based SVP of Commercial for this tech sector company, this person would build a European HR team from scratch along whilst owning the design and implementation of HR function infrastructure to support fast, double-digit business growth.

Hiring Challenges: Finding a bi-lingual experienced HR leader who offered strategic thinking and was willing to combine this with “rolling up their sleeves” and taking action - there were no tools or process or frameworks that could be adopted from HQ given the early stage maturity of that team so this person needed to be self sufficient, but also have the mindfulness to design elements that had potential for usage by HR teams in HQ and elsewhere in the world.  This person would ideally offer the experience of working in a complex, matrix organisation; and an advanced understanding of US company work cultures plus entrepreneurial organisational cultures - an unusual combination for the local talent pool. A natural ability to collaborate and influence effectively despite constant change and ambiguity was essential.  Advanced commercial acumen was critical as was M&A experience.  They also needed proven ability to inspire and lead a high performing HR team.

Solution: With high interest in this role, we were able to narrow our recommendation to just 3 candidates within weeks of taking the hiring brief. Our successful candidate was rapidly hired with no fuss or negotiation angst for our client. Her HR pedigree in the tech sector was impressive, and this coupled with her ‘can do’ attitude has proved a winning combination. 24 months in and she’s still receiving rave reviews on performance and business contribution from the CHRO and business execs.